FAQ
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Do you provide veterinary services?
Yes! Our Health Clinic offers low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations for our community. View prices and services here. However, we are not a full-service veterinary office and do not offer diagnostics, emergency services, or euthanasia. We suggest that all pet owners find a primary care veterinarian that their animals can visit regularly.
Do you have a wish list of most-needed items?
Our complete wish list can be viewed here. You may also shop our Amazon or Chewy wish lists and send items directly to the shelter with just a few clicks.
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Items can be dropped off at our front doors at any time.
I found a stray animal; what should I do?
HATS utilizes a managed intake system and we recommend that you call in advance to ensure all requirements are met before bringing any animals to our facility. Read more about our stray pet policy here.
If you find a stray dog after business hours, please keep them safe until we reopen or call Isabella County Central Dispatch at (989) 773-1000 to request a pick-up.
Do you declaw cats?
No. Cats scratch on things for two reasons: to shed their claws and to mark their territory. Declawing is a painful procedure that involves the amputation of the last bone of each toe. Educated pet parents can easily train their cats to use their claws in a manner that allows everyone in the household to live together happily. Looking for tips? Check out this great article to learn more about healthy alternatives.
Are HATS and Animal Control the same?
No, we are separate entities. HATS is a private, non-profit organization that is contracted to provide all animal care services at the Isabella County Animal Shelter. This partnership ensures that all homeless animals that enter our facility will receive the medical care, daily attention, and adoption services that without HATS, would not be possible.
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Isabella County Animal Control is a government agency that maintains responsibility for legal matters, investigations, complaint follow-up, dog licensing, bite quarantines, and stray dog retrieval.
Do you help with wildlife?
HATS does not have the resources, nor are we licensed to care for wild animals. For guidance, you may contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at (517) 284-9453.
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For issues with wildlife taking residence in your home or on your property, we recommend calling a local wildlife management service.
Are you a no-kill facility?
Currently, the save rate for our shelter is over 90% which puts us in the no-kill category. Euthanasia is only considered in situations where there are serious medical or aggression issues that we cannot resolve. Whenever possible, we treat injury or illness and work on behavioral issues so animals can be adopted. We do not place time limits on our animals or euthanize healthy, adoptable animals for space.
Due to unpredictable fluctuations in annual intakes, our save rate will vary slightly from year-to-year.
Can HATS come pick-up a stray animal?
HATS does not have the staff or resources to pick-up stray animals in the community. Our role is to care for animals once they have been brought to our facility.
Isabella County Animal Control is responsible for fieldwork, including investigations, complaint follow-ups, and stray dog retrieval. Animal Control does not retrieve stray cats. Read more about our stray pet policy here.
How do I report animal cruelty or neglect?
If you are witnessing animal cruelty, call 911 for immediate assistance. If you need to report suspected cruelty or neglect within Isabella County, call Animal Control at (989) 773-9721.
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Animal cruelty comes in many forms; such as physical abuse, failure to provide adequate shelter or care, abandonment, hoarding, puppy mills, animal fighting, or pets left in hot vehicles. We encourage you to always report any suspicious behavior.
Can you call me when you have the specific breed that I want?
We do not keep a wish list for specific breeds. We recommend checking our adoptable dog & cat pages frequently for new arrivals.
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We also encourage you to visit petfinder.com and adoptapet.com to view adoptable pets from shelters and rescues across the country.
Where can I receive assistance to feed my pets?
If you are having difficulty keeping your beloved pet's food dish full, please call us to arrange a food pick-up. Food availability will vary based on our current supply.
How do I surrender my pet to your organization?
If you cannot continue to care for your pet and have been unsuccessful in your efforts of finding your animal a loving home, please call us for additional advice.
Looking for rehoming resources?Visit rehome.adoptapet.com.
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Read more about our surrender policy here. All surrenders must be scheduled in advance and certain qualifications must be met. Please call us at (989) 775-0830 to discuss the situation.
I have too many stray cats; what should I do?
Cat overpopulation is a serious issue in our community and throughout the country. While your initial reaction may be to take all outdoor cats to the nearest shelter as soon as possible, that is not always in the best interest of the cats, or the best solution for the issue. Please read more about our stray cat policy here.
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If you are looking for additional resources, please call our Feline Department or click here to read about the benefits of Trap-Neuter-Return.
Where do I purchase a dog license?
Isabella County dog licenses are sold at the Isabella County Treasurers Office, during County business hours.
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Additional information can be found on the County website.
How do I report a lost or found pet?
Click here to submit an easy, online report for a pet you have lost or a stray pet you have found.